Off of Death's Door Step
Hey folks,
6 weeks ago I picked up a rather skinny High Yellow BP from the local pet store for 30 bucks (cost, came from Captive Hatched stock). This little girl was severely dehydrated and in need of some help. Heavy ridging on the body and lethargic. Even though I knew this may be a one way ticket, I took a chance to try and save her. Since that day, she has received pedialyte treatments and an injection of baby food via tube feeds. So far so good and her ridging is just about gone and their has been no regurging. Her stools are firming up and today I'll try an assist feed to see if she holds it down.
Last week, I did an assist feed (F/T pinkies,F/T Hopper,then another F/T pinky) on one of the other CH babies who was showing signs and she has taken to it nicely. Yesterday she took her first hopper (albeit Live) on her own, so she should be on her way. Yeah I know, I am not a big fan of live but this is special circumstances.
Neither one of them is out of the woods yet but they are well on their way.
The third in this group started to eat on his own (again live right now) and has eaten for me twice now. Today we try Fresh Kill, hot headed,brained and chicken brothed. If that doesn't work then a live followed by a fresh kill. He is putting on the meat nicely.
The moral of the story, those considering ranch stock, do so with your eyes wide open, they can be very difficult to get feeding. Yes they can be priced well (typically 60.00 in the pet store) but realize that their is a risk. IMHO, Ball Pythons should not be considered a "beginners snake". I knew this and took these guys on as special projects. So far I am happy with the results but time will tell.
Jim
Last edited by jwsporty; 07-01-03 at 04:47 AM..
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